All Singapore exports to be declared in advance come 2013

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With effect from 1 April 2013, Singapore Customs will require declarations for the export of all goods to be submitted prior to the goods leaving Singapore, according to a recent release issued by the Singapore Customs.

This initiative, known as Advance Export Declaration (AED), aims to strengthen Singapore’s supply chain security and align its export declaration practices with international norms.

In particular, AED will be beneficial for Singapore’s collaboration on supply chain security with overseas authorities, including the implementation of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) to strengthen supply chain security between the two countries and facilitate trade flows.

“Singapore is a key node in the international supply chain. With strong international emphasis on supply chain security, Singapore Customs needs to have timely information on all goods being exported, to position Singapore as a trusted and secure global trade hub and be more effective in trade facilitation,” said Mr Fong Yong Kian, Director-General, Singapore Customs.

Currently, Singapore Customs requires advance declarations only for exports of controlled items or exports by land. Declarations for exports of non-controlled items by sea and air are allowed to be made within three days of the goods leaving Singapore under an existing exemption.

More than half of Singapore’s current exports are already declared in advance. For example, in the first half of 2011, 56 per cent of Singapore’s exports were declared prior to the goods leaving Singapore.

Many countries, including the United States, Japan, China and Australia, as well as the European Union, have AED in place.